- India beat Pakistan by one wicket, scoring off the final ball of the U-19 Asia Cup final in Muscat.
- Videos appear to show Indian players, including Manal Chauhan, making gestures towards Pakistan's Hamza Zahoor.
- Former cricketers and commentators called for respect and sportsmanship.
- BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the players deserved to celebrate such a win.
The Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan at U-19 level has been followed by a row over how the winners celebrated their dramatic one-wicket win. Videos shared online appear to show some Indian players making obscene gestures and using abusive language towards their opponents.
In this article
The Asia Cup final was played at the Al-Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Saturday. Mohit Ulva hit the winning boundary off the last delivery.
How the Asia Cup final was decided
Pakistan batted first in the Asia Cup final and posted 337 for nine, with Usman Khan scoring a century. That left India a target of 338.
India were in trouble at 252 for eight but recovered to finish on 339 for nine. The runs came on the final ball of the innings, with Mohit Ulva hitting the winning boundary off that delivery.
These are young players, and it’s important we teach them that the spirit of the game goes beyond the result,
Ahmed Shahzad, former cricketer
What the Asia Cup final footage appears to show
Clips circulating online appear to show Indian players, among them Manal Chauhan, making gestures towards Pakistan wicket-keeper-batter Hamza Zahoor. Other clips show members of the Indian side celebrating aggressively in front of the Pakistan players.
It has also been reported that the teams did not shake hands straight away, as Indian players ran onto the field. A member of India's support staff was seen trying to calm the players down.
These accounts are based on video clips and social media posts. No official action or statement from the tournament organisers has been mentioned in the reports.
| Team | Total | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 337/9 | Usman Khan scored a century |
| India | 339/9 | Won by one wicket; Mohit Ulva hit the winning boundary off the final ball |
Reaction in Pakistan
The gestures aimed at Hamza, who scored a century when the two sides met in the group stage, also attracted attention from Pakistan supporters and former players. Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry wrote on social media that the player should be sent to school rather than a cricket ground. Journalist Fahd Hussain called the cricketer a “disgrace to more than just Indian cricket”.
Former cricketer Ahmed Shahzad congratulated India but said celebrations should express the joy of winning rather than turn into aggression or needless hostility. He also said senior players had carried forward certain traditions that needed to change.
Former cricketer Mohammad Yousuf, without naming anyone, said sport at any level was also about reflecting one's upbringing and values. He urged players to stay respectful and composed in both victory and defeat. Columnist Ammar Masood described the scenes as “not a reflection of sportsmanship”.
Some social media users criticised the celebrations while still acknowledging India's achievement in a closely fought Asia Cup final.
Indian board defends the players
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia defended the team. He told reporters the celebrations were understandable given how the match was won, saying players who win from such a difficult position “certainly deserve to celebrate”.
Saikia's remarks therefore set the Indian board's position against that of the former players and commentators in Pakistan who asked for respect and sportsmanship.
The episode has fuelled debate about player conduct in high-pressure matches, particularly those between the two neighbouring countries.
Asia Cup final explained: the match and the row
In the Asia Cup final, Pakistan scored 337 for nine after batting first, and Usman Khan made a century. India's target was 338. At 252 for eight, India were in trouble, yet they finished on 339 for nine, with the winning runs coming off the final ball.
The row began after the Asia Cup final ended. Videos appear to show Indian players making gestures towards Pakistan's players, including Hamza Zahoor, while reports say the teams did not shake hands straight away. Former players and commentators called for respect, while BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia defended the celebrations.
In short, India won the Asia Cup final by one wicket, and the discussion since then has centred on player conduct in high-pressure matches between the two neighbouring countries.
Background: Hamza Zahoor and the reaction
Hamza Zahoor is Pakistan's wicket-keeper-batter. He scored a century when the two sides met in the group stage, and the gestures aimed at him after the Asia Cup final drew attention from Pakistan supporters and former players.
Ahmed Shahzad said young players should be taught that the spirit of the game goes beyond the result. Mohammad Yousuf urged players to stay respectful and composed in victory and defeat, and Ammar Masood said the scenes were not a reflection of sportsmanship. On the other side, the Indian board said the players deserved to celebrate.
All of this comes from video clips, social media posts and comments reported after the match. No official action or statement from the tournament organisers has been mentioned.
Questions and answers
Who won the U-19 Asia Cup final?
India won by one wicket in Muscat. They chased down Pakistan's target of 338, finishing on 339 for nine off the final delivery.
Why are the Indian players being criticised?
Videos appear to show some players making obscene gestures and shouting abuse at Pakistan's players after the win, including gestures towards Hamza Zahoor. Critics say this goes against the spirit of the game.
How has India's cricket board responded?
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia defended the players. He said that after winning from such a difficult position they deserved to celebrate.
Where was the Asia Cup final played?
It was played at the Al-Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Saturday.
Who scored a century for Pakistan?
Usman Khan scored a century as Pakistan posted 337 for nine after batting first.
Who hit the winning runs for India?
Mohit Ulva hit the winning boundary off the last delivery to seal a one-wicket win.
What did Ahmed Shahzad say about the celebrations?
He congratulated India but said celebrations should express the joy of winning rather than turn into aggression or needless hostility.
Has any official action been reported?
No official action or statement from the tournament organisers has been mentioned in the reports.
Did the teams shake hands after the Asia Cup final?
It has been reported that the teams did not shake hands straight away, as Indian players ran onto the field. A member of India's support staff was seen trying to calm the players down.
